**Colin Higgins**
Colin Higgins was an Australian-American screenwriter, actor, and film director known for his work in comedy and drama during the 1970s and 1980s.
## Early Life and Education
Colin Higgins was born on July 28, 1941, in Nouméa, New Caledonia. He was raised in Australia and later moved to the United States to study at Stanford University and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he developed his interest in filmmaking.
## Career
Higgins gained prominence as a screenwriter with the success of *Harold and Maude* (1971), a dark comedy that became a cult classic. He also wrote and directed *Silver Streak* (1976), a comedy-thriller starring Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor, and *Foul Play* (1978), a comedy-mystery featuring Goldie Hawn and Chevy Chase. His work was noted for blending humor with suspense and emotional depth.
## Personal Life and Legacy
Colin Higgins was openly gay and an advocate for LGBTQ+ representation in the film industry. He passed away on August 5, 1988, from AIDS-related complications. His films continue to be celebrated for their unique tone and influence on American cinema.
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**Meta Description:**
Colin Higgins was an Australian-American filmmaker known for writing and directing cult classics like *Harold and Maude* and *Silver Streak*. He made significant contributions to comedy and drama in the 1970s and 1980s.